Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Somerset - Taunton

Location: Taunton, hirify.global Somerset; applicants must live within a commutable distance of the role. The apprenticeship also includes in-person bootcamps at PA Media Academy in London and may involve travel across the UK.

Salary: £24,650 per year

Company

hirify.global Radio Somerset is part of the hirify.global, a public service media organisation producing journalism and content for diverse audiences.

What you will do

• Work alongside experienced journalists to create high-quality content.
• Research stories, book guests, and write briefs.
• Find and develop compelling stories for audiences.
• Assist with interviews that bring important issues to life.
• Study for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and Level 5 apprenticeship qualification through work, webinars, and bootcamps.

Requirements

• Be 18 or over by the apprenticeship start in September 2027.
• Have lived continuously in the UK for the three years before the apprenticeship starts and be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the full duration.
• Be a non-graduate and not currently enrolled in another apprenticeship.
• Must not already hold a qualification in the same subject at the same or a higher level, or have completed or be studying for the NCTJ Diploma or an equivalent-level-or-higher journalism qualification.
• Have English GCSE Grade 4/C or above, National 5 at C, Functional Skills Level 2, or an equivalent qualification.
• Applicants under 19 at the start must also have the required Maths qualification to complete the apprenticeship.
• Show curiosity about people and current events, a keen interest in news, creative ideas, and enthusiasm for storytelling.
• Enjoy research, asking questions, writing, and communicating complex ideas clearly; demonstrate flexibility, motivation, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• Transferable strengths and experience that support different ways of working.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term, full-time apprenticeship lasting 24 months with a 35-hour working week.
• Industry-recognised NCTJ Diploma and Level 5 qualification, with training and mentoring from journalism professionals.
• Career development, employability training, networking opportunities, and support from a Team Manager and Scheme Specialist.
• 25 days of annual leave, pension scheme, flexible benefits, discounted dental, healthcare and gym benefits, and work-life-balance policies.
• Inclusive, values-based working environment with support for disabled applicants and reasonable adjustments.
• Relocation financial support may be available subject to financial eligibility criteria.

Hiring process

• Apply online by creating a candidate profile and answering application questions; no CV or cover letter is accepted.
• Offers are conditional on eligibility, training-provider skill scan, employment screening, right-to-work checks, references, and any applicable safeguarding or adverse media checks.
• Applications close on 24 November 2026; applicants should apply to only one hirify.global apprenticeship location.